One of the most controversial scandals in the J-pop industry has made a comeback in online discussions, reviving the drama around former NMB48 members Kinoshita Haruna and Muro Kanako.
Originally unfolding in 2016, the scandal began when Japanese tabloid Shūkan Bunshun reported that then-17-year-old Kinoshita Haruna was allegedly having an affair with a well-known CEO. What escalated the public reaction was the man’s identity—he was reportedly married to Muro Kanako’s older sister, making the relationship an intensely personal betrayal within the idol circle.
Following the tabloid’s explosive claims, an Instagram post—believed to be from Muro’s sister—went viral. In the post, the woman directly accused Kinoshita of not only being romantically involved with her husband but also of intruding into their home. The emotional and public nature of the accusation set social media ablaze, both in Japan and internationally.
Bunshun also released alleged surveillance photos of Kinoshita and the CEO walking together at night, some said to have been taken near a luxury hotel in Roppongi. The implications of an underage idol being linked to a married man added a deeply unsettling layer to the scandal.
As the story spread like wildfire, fans speculated on whether Kinoshita would be able to continue in the idol industry. Facing mounting pressure and scrutiny, she left NMB48 later that year.
While Muro Kanako never publicly addressed the situation, the connection to her family made it difficult for the controversy to fade quietly. The management agency chose to remain silent on the matter, adding to the mystery and frustration among fans.
In a surprising twist, Kinoshita reportedly married the same CEO in 2018, and the couple welcomed a child in 2019. However, reports later claimed they eventually divorced, adding another dramatic turn to the already turbulent narrative.
Even years later, this scandal remains one of the most infamous and emotionally charged stories in Japanese idol history—resurfacing now as a sobering reminder of fame, betrayal, and the intense scrutiny that idols face behind the spotlight.
Sources: Koreaboo
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